BALLOON: How would you build this one up?posted by: Bruce on 6/9/2008 at 6:09:47 PM

I've got an Excelsior frame, straight bottom bar, probably 1930s. I made it into a mountain bomber in the 80s (Braze ons, a Shimano Derailer, etc). Well, it's been hammered pretty well, but the frame is in good shape (Grinding and filing the add on welds off it now). Since it's just a frame, there's no way I'm going to find all the proper parts to restore it to stock condition. Plus, I prefer riding my bikes. The base plan- 29" wheels (Modify bottom of rear fork((Stretch and move bends)),widen rear to 135mm, add new front forks, etc))). Single speed, possibly rear disc. Rigid fork. Some stock style components, some lightweight modern stuff (Keep the ashtabula crank, new front forks and lightweight stem and bars).

NOW, here's the question: How would you build it up if it were to be a daily rider, and it were your bike?

The picture isn't my bike (too clean). Same idea, however...

by: 70.57.103.94

RE:BALLOON: How would you build this one up? posted by ken on 6/10/2008 at 2:15:36 PM

I hotrodded a chrome Flightliner frame some years ago with alloy stem, bars, post and rims. In the back I laced up a Shimano coaster three-speed hub with a twist-grip shifter. I tried a Bendix kickback, for style points, but it's just so heavy and not real effficient. After some experiments I also went to a slightly smaller chainring from a StingRay, since I don't use it for speed.Personally I would object to the so-called 29er (come on, it's 700c) although if you make it fit, the large rims might look extra cool. I just don't like the need to modify the frame. Singlespeed, on the other hand, is clearly the way to go if your circumstances allow. That reminds me that I bought a garage-sale '57 Schwinn Tiger that somebody had put 26x1 3/8 wheels (with coaster) on. They fit and looked noticeably custom. But it tracked better after I put a fork from a Continental on it.I have pictures of them both if you want to see them. by: 209.7.150.163

I have a 1950 columbia five star according to the serial # chart. Where can I get good accurate info for the bike to fix it up?Also is there different versions of five stars for each year?I can't find any pics of a chrome and two-tone tank. Any thing is helpful. by: 96.229.42.213

I just bought a bunch of old ballooner bike stuff and in it was a really nice original schwinn phantom chainguard. The guard still has the brackets attached with the original rivits and has been sandblasted. There are no dents and the guard is amazingly nice and straight. I have no idea how to post pics on this site but will happily send pictures to all who are serious. $75.00 plus shipping. can be reached at vanfunandmore at yahoo com by: 67.48.252.145

MIDDLEWEIGHT: paintposted by: bill on 6/4/2008 at 6:38:12 AM

Can someone tell me what colors were available on the 57-58 schwinn jaguar mk 2. and where can I buy it. by: 68.237.226.85